The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Students Welfare and development, Hon. Mubarak Jimah has commended governor Monday Okpebholo for his reforms which has prioritized education and youths empowerment in the State.
Delivering his welcome address at the maiden edition of the vision and value Conference 2026 held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative hub along Airport road in Benin City, Hon. Jimah said the reforms embarked on by the Okpebholo led administration has transformed schools across the State into modern centers for learning, equiped with the tools for the digital age.
He noted that the future of Edo State is not in oil, politics, or in the past but in the youths who are present at the conference as youth are the builders, innovators and leaders of today and tomorrow.
“The future of Edo State lies in the youth as this vision aligns with the bold reforms of governor Monday Okpebholo whose administration has prioritized education and youths empowerment as schools are been transformed into modern centers for learning, equiped with the tools for digital age.
“Youth focus initiatives are opening doors for creative, innovation and entrepreneurship. These reforms remind us that the government believes in the youth, invests in them to build a future where Edo youth can thrive.
“The insight gained here is not for jobs but for creating opportunities, shaping industry and transforming communities.
Together we will build Edo State where education is strong, opportunities are abundant and the future is limitless”.
The daughter of Edo State Governor, Barr. Oghogho Okpebholo who was also a speaker at the event has encouraged Nigerian youths to look beyond their limitations and channel their potentialities into meaningful ventures that will make them self reliant in the face of growing socio-economic uncertainties and societal pressures.
She noted that the conference message focussed on the need for youths to rise above prevailing socio- economic challenges by investing their time, resources and energy in productive ventures.
Barr. Okpebholo urges Nigerian youths to rise above challenges through creativity, Integrity and productivity.
“This conference is not just an event but a movement that is dedicated to shaping the bridge between education and the corporate world. This movement recognizes a simple but powerful truth, the future of Edo State and Nigeria lies in the hands of the youth.
“I have a clear vision, I desire to use knowledge as a tool for impact as strong values, discipline, integrity and resolute as education is not about passing courses but preparing for responsibilities as that is what this conference represents.
“Your degrees may open the door but your character will determine how far you will go, your skills may get you noticed but your consistency will get you indispensable, your ambition may start the journey but your discipline will sustain it.
“Nigeria today stands at a critical point as challenges exist but within the challenges lies opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, for ethical leadership and bold ideas”.
In her goodwill message, Coordinator, Office Of Edo State First Lady Edesili Okpebholo
Anani who was represented by the Executive Chairman BTVET Barr. Onomen Briggs said the
confidence is strategically designed to equip, connect and inspire future professionals of Edo State by providing students and young graduates with practical knowledge, mentorship and meaningful career opportunities.
“The conference offered a unique platform to recognize mentors and role models.These remarkable mentors serve as a beacon of excellence , demonstrating the value of integrity, perseverance and leadership while empowering young people to realize their full potential and pursue their dreams with confidence.
“This conference bridges the gap between academic learning and real world empowerment. I encourage you to take full advantage of this platform, ask questions, engage actively and allow the guidance of our mentors to inspire you to dream bigger, work harder and smartly”.
She noted that the creativity, commitment, and determination of the youths are what is needed to drive Edo State and Nigeria towards a brighter future.
The 2026 Vision and Value Conference stands is a reminder that even in challenging times, opportunities still exist for youths who are willing to pursue it with purpose and resilience, as the conference is a platform for participants to share visions, exchange ideas and build a collective vision for a better future.
Some participants expressed confidence that the engagement would serve as a constant source of inspiration to young people to take charge of their destinies irrespective of challenges.
